Rubbing and liquid applying apparatus for hogs

ABSTRACT

An improved rubbing and liquid applying apparatus for use by hogs is disclosed which comprises a frame structure that supports a rotatable elongated cylinder at opposite ends and on an inclined angle relative to horizontal. The cylinder defines a reservoir for liquid that is applied to the hogs and also includes an Archimedes&#39;&#39; screw pump in the form of a spiral tube that conveys the liquid upwardly to the upper end portion of the cylinder where it is delivered to the outside of the cylinder for contact by the hogs. The apparatus includes a ratchet mechanism that permits rotation in only a single direction and also has a small distribution chamber at the upper end thereof where the liquid is conveyed. A flow control means is associated with the upper reservoir to regulate the amount of liquid that is passed to the outer surface. A liquid return mechanism is also provided to enable unimpeded flow through the spiral tube, with the return mechanism enabling a variable portion of the flow to be returned to the lower reservoir, rather than be deposited in the upper distribution chamber.

United States Patent [191 Keene Nov. 18, 1975 1 RUBBING AND LIQUID APPLYING APPARATUS FOR HOGS George W. Keene, PO. Box 395, Rochelle, 111. 61068 22 Filed: July 31, 1974 21 App1.No.:493,263

[76] Inventor:

Primary E.raminer.l. N. Eskovitz Attorney, Agent, or F irmFitch, Even, Tabin & Luedeka [57] ABSTRACT An improved rubbing and liquid applying apparatus for use by hogs is disclosed which comprises a frame structure that supports a rotatable elongated cylinder at opposite ends and on an inclined angle relative to horizontal. The cylinder defines a reservoir for liquid that is applied to the hogs and also includes an Archimedes screw pump in the form of a spiral tube that conveys the liquid upwardly to the upper end portion of the cylinder where it is delivered to the outside of the cylinder for contact by the hogs. The apparatus includes a ratchet mechanism that permits rotation in only a single direction and also has a small distribution chamber at the upper end thereof where the liquid is conveyed. A flow control means is associated with the upper reservoir to regulate the amount of liquid that is passed to the outer surface. A liquid return mechanism is also provided to enable unimpeded flow through the spiral tube, with the return mechanism enabling a variable portion of the flow to be returned to the lower reservoir, rather than be deposited in the upper distribution chamber.

13 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures U.S. Patnt Nov. 18,1975 Sheetl0f2 3,919,979

Patent Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet2of2 3,919,979

RUBBING AND LIQUID APPLYING APPARATUS FOR HOGS The present invention generally relates to apparatus for use by livestock and, more particularly, to rubbing and liquid applying apparatus for use by smaller livestock such as hogs and the like for rubbing and scratching their hides as well as applying conditioning liquids thereto.

Apparatus which provide an abrasive surface against which livestock can rub and simultaneously receive a hide conditioning liquid or insecticide or the like are generally recognized as desirable apparatus to use, because of the economic benefits that are gained. While such apparatus are well known and appear in many forms and structural designs, the type which generally comprises an elongated cylinder that is rotatably mounted at an angle relative to horizontal and which includes an Archimedes screw pump for conveying liquid contained within the cylinder to the upper end thereof where it can be delivered to the outside surface of the cylinder is among the more practical and maintainance free types of apparatus that have found widespread acceptance on the part of livestock feeders and growers.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved rubbing and liquid applying apparatus that isparticularly adapted for smaller livestock, such as hogs and the like which is economical to produce and provides relatively maintainance free operation.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of apparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right and view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the apparatus and is taken generally along line 33 in FIG. 1; 7

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3; and,

FIG. 5 is a modification of a portion of the apparatus of the present invention, and is similar to the apparatus shown in FIG. 4.

Turning now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally at 10, is shown to comprise an elongated cylinder 12 that is positioned at an angle relative to horizontal and which includes an axially centered shaft 14 therein. The shaft 14 is rotatably joumaled in a bearing 16 that is attached to a lower plate member 18. The upper end of the shaft 14 is similarly rotatably journaled in a bearing assembly 20 that is mounted on a right angled member 22 which is supported by a tubular member 24 that is attached to a second lateral angled member 26 or the like to provide lateral stability for the apparatus. Moreover, a horizontal member 28 is attached to the angled member 26 as well as to the lower plate member 18 to provide an integral frame structure for the elongated cylinder 12.

The lateral stability of the apparatus is largely determined by the length of the member 26 unless it is secured to a concrete slab or the like. In this connection, the angled member 26 is provided with a number of apertures 30 to enable attachment to a longer piece of steel, wood, or the like, or for bolting the apparatus to a concrete slab or the like. The horizontal member 28 is welded to the angled member 26, as well as to the end plate 18, although other means for connection may be used, if desired. For example, shipping convenience may dictate the use of bolts for connecting the frame members together. Similarly, the angled member 26 as well as the angled member 22 are preferably welded to the tubular member 24. A protective shield, indicated generally at 32, may be provided to protect the upper end of the apparatus from the elements and dirt and other foreign matter which could affect its operation. More specifically, the shield 32 is shown to comprise an end plate 34 which is connected to a single piece of metal 36 that is bent to form the side walls as well as the top wall of the shield. Hinges 38 and 40 may be provided to attach the shield to opposite ends of the angle 22, with the hinge 40 having a removable pin 42 and a locking key 44 as shown. Thus, if the pin 42 is removed, the shield can be pivoted counter-clockwise around the hinge 38 as viewed in FIG. 2 to enable the reservoir defined by the elongated cylinder 12 to be filled and other adjustments to be made. The upper end of the end plate 18 which supports the bearing l6 may have a downwardly inclined end portion 46 to provide protection for the bearing 16 from rubbing by pigs as well as from the weather elements.

In keeping with the present invention, the exterior surface of the cylinder 12 is preferably provided with an abrasive expanded metal layer that is intermittently spot welded to the cylinder surface, it being preferred that the expanded metal be of the non-flattened type, so that edges will protrude therefrom for contact with pigs and hogs which have a very abrasive hide. The non-flattened expanded metal will gradually build up with hair and other absorbent material and define a plurality of liquid holding pockets during use. A lower end wall 48 of the cylinder 12 is preferably of a larger diameter than the cylinder itself, so that a protruding annular flange 50 is provided against which the pigs may rub.

Turning now to the liquid conveying mechanism of the present invention, a spiral pipe or tube 52 is located within the cylinder and defines an Archimedes screw which conveys the liquid from the bottom of the reservoir which is the inside of the elongated cylinder 12 to the upper end thereof during rotation. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the upper end of the cylinder 12 has a bulkhead wall 54 through which the end of the spiral tubs 52 passes. The bulkhead wall 54 has a filling aperture therein in which a cap or plug 56 is placed. The wall 54 is spaced downwardly from the upper end of the cylinder 12 and defines an upper distribution chamber in which the liquid is conveyed by the spiral tube 52.

A flexible, preferably oil resistant hose 60 is attached to the end of the spiral tube 52 on the upper side of the wall 54 and is similarly attached to a right angled fitting 62 at the opposite end thereof, with the end of the angled fitting 62 being force fit into the interior of the flexible tubing 60. The opposite end of the right angled fitting 62 is inserted into a cylindrically shaped housing 64 which is preferably welded in the wall 54. The housing 64 is adapted to either drain the liquid back into the reservoir or deliver the liquid to the upper distribution chamber located above the wall 54 depending upon the position or depth of insertion of the fitting 62 therewith. A hairpin spring 66 may be provided to hold the fitting 62 in a preset position. To achieve this holding action, a slot 68 is provided in the wall of the housing 64 that is of sufficient depth that a straight portion 70 of the pin 66 contacts the outside wall of the inserted end of the fitting 62. The hairpin spring 66 applies a compressive force that tends to restrict the movement of the fitting 62.

To control the amount of liquid that is delivered to the upper distribution chamber on the upper side of the wall 54 and referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the end of the fitting 62 that is inserted within the housing 64 has a pair of apertures 72 located in the side wall, as well as an open end 74 which opens to the main reservoir located below the bulkhead wall 54. Thus, as the spiral tube 52 and flexible tube 60 convey the fluid upwardly to the end thereof, it will be delivered into the upper distribution chamber through the apertures 72 in the fitting 62 or will be delivered back into the reservoir from where it was pumped by the open end 74. The depth of insertion of the fitting 62 within the housing 64 determines the portion of the liquid that will be-delivered to the upper distribution chamber. As shown in FIG. 4, the openings 72 are completely covered which will cause all of the liquid to be passed back into the main reservoir.

To deliver liquid to the upper chamber, the fitting 62 would be moved downwardly as shown in FIG. 4 relative to the chamber 64 so that the openings 72 would be positioned downwardly beyond the end 76 of the housing 64 and allow liquid to exit therefrom. By adjusting the position of the fitting relative to the end 76, a greater or lesser amount of fluid can be delivered to the upper chamber for distribution to the outer surface of the cylinder 12. It is preferred that the angle of the housing 64 relative to the plane of the bulkhead wall 54 be upwardly inclined when the housing is in its lowermost position during rotation. This tends to force the liquid out of the apertures 72 rather than flow directly back into the lower reservoir during operation.

A modification of the apparatus is shown in FIG. 5 and includes a housing 80 that is substantially similar to the housing 64 shown in FIG. 4 and also includes a right angle fitting 82 that is attached to the hose or tubing 60. While the housing 80 is shown to be at an angle similar to the housing 64 of FIG. 4, it may be positioned substantially perpendicularly of the bulkhead wall 54, if desired. The fitting 82 has a longer end portion that is insertable within the housing 80 compared to the fitting 62 and also has two sets of apertures 84 and 86 in the sides thereof, as well as an end plug 88 which prevents flow out the end thereof. Moreover, the center to center distance between the apertures 84 and 86 is equal to the length of the housing 80 so that it is not possible for both sets of apertures 84 and 86 to be covered and thereby closed at the same time. The housing 80 preferably has a slot substantially similar to the slot 68 so that a hairpin spring 66 may be used to frictionally hold the fitting 82 in the desired position. As shown in FIG. 5, the apertures 86 are closed while the apertures 84 are open, and since the end is closed by the plug 88, all of the liquid being conveyed by the spiral tube 52 and flexible tube 60 is forced into the upper distribution chamber through the apertures 84. Similarly, in the event the fitting 82 was completely inserted within the housing 80,'the apertures 84 would be closed and the apertures 86 uncovered or open, which would prevent any liquid from being delivered into the upper distribution chamber. Thus, the main difference between the modification shown in FIG. 5 and the portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is that with the apparatus of FIG. 5, it is possible to force all of the fluid into the upper distribution chamber if desired. It should also be understood that if the fitting 82 is positioned so that only part of the apertures 84 are opened, then a complimentary part of the apertures 86 would also be opened to permit partial flow of liquid into the upper distribution chamber with the remainder going back into the main reservoir below the bulkhead wall 54.

The proper operation of the Archimedes screw pump, i.e., the spiral tube 52, requires that the cylinder 12 be rotated into the clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3. To limit the direction of rotation to the clockwise direction, the shaft 14 has a square end portion upwardly beyond the bearing 20 for connection with a ratchet mechanism, indicated generally at 90. The ratchet mechanism 90, is not shown in detail, but is substantially similar to ratchet mechanics wrenches, which are well known. The mechanism has a handle 92 that is inserted in an opening 94 within the angle member 22 to keep the ratchet handle from rotating.

To deliver the liquid to the outer surface of the cylinder 12, the upper distribution chamber is provided with a number of relatively small apertures 96 that are generally equally spaced around the circumference of the chamber, as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, as the cylinder 12 is rotated, the fluid within the distribution chamber will tend to flow out of the lowermost aperture 96 at that particular position and thereby tend to evenly distribute the liquid completely around the circumference of the cylinder. However, the speed and continuation of rotation may be haphazard, since it is caused by the hogs or the like rubbing against the cylinder 12, it is quite desirable for the apparatue to includea flat band 100 having transversely bent ends 102 and 104, each of which has an aperture for receiving a bolt 106 which can be adjusted to provide the desired tightness. The band 100 is preferably positioned directly over the apertures 96 or toward the lower side thereof, so that oil that is passed through the apertures from the upper distribution chamber will not drip off the cylinder, but will run down the surface where it can be transferred to the hogs. It may also be desirable to provide a slight space between the band and the side of the cylinder to permit the liquid to flow therebetween and may be achieved by inserting a punch or similar tool in the aperture, and bending the wall slightly so that the upper edge is slightly raised compared to the sidewall surface. Alternatively, a small weld bead or the like may be provided on either the band or the cylinder side wall. The spacing is preferably only about one thirty-second of an inch and permits the fluid to pass through the apertures 96 to the outside where it contacts the band 100 and runs down the exterior surface. Additionally, moving the band downwardly in the axial diection uncovers the apertures which will permit a faster flow of liquid to the exterior surface.

Thus, an improved rubbing and liquid applying apparatus has been shown and described which is designed to provide dependable service with a minimum of maintenance and is particularly adapted for use with smaller livestock, such as hogs and pigs. The apparatus may be economically fabricated from available material and components.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, they will suggest a number of variations and modifications to persons skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the protection afforded this invention should not be limited by the particular embodiments shown and described, but should be determined in terms of the definitions of the invention set forth in the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A rubbing and liquid applying apparatus for livestock, comprising, in combination:

an elongated cylinder having upper and lower end walls, the cylinder defining a reservoir for holding liquid therein;

frame means for supporting said cylinder at an inclined angle and adapted to permit rotation thereof;

a spiral tube positioned in said cylinder and adapted to deliver liquid from the lower end to the upper end thereof in response to rotation of said cylinder in a predetermined direction;

means for limiting rotation of said cylinder to said predetermined direction;

the upper end wall of said cylinder being positioned downwardly from the end thereof to define an upper chamber above said wall, the upper end of said spiral tube extending through said upper end wall so that said liquid is delivered to said chamber when said cylinder is rotated;

the side of said cylinder in said chamber having a plurality of apertures for passing said liquid to the outer surface of said cylinder;

a hollow cylindrical housing secured in said upper end wall and adapted to pass liquid into said reservoir from said chamber; and,

a fitting insertable into said housing and flexible tubing having one end connected to the upper end of said spiral tube and the opposite end thereof adapted to be inserted within said housing, said fitting having an open end and at least one aperture in the side thereof, the depth of insertion of said fitting within said housing alternatively opening and closing said aperture to thereby regulate the flow of liquid into said chamber, the remaining liquid being passed through the end thereof back into said reservoir.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said cylindrical housing is positioned in said upper end wall at a predetermined angle relative to the plane of said wall so that the housing is slightly upwardly inclined towards said reservoir when said housing is in its lowest position during rotation.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said fitting has a cap in the end thereof and at least one additional aperture in the side thereof spaced longitudinally from the first side aperture a distance approximately equal to the length of said housing, so that at least one of said apertures will pass liquid therethrough notwith- 6 standing the depth of insertion of said fitting within said housing.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a laterally positioned slot for receiving a hairpin spring, and a hairpin spring positioned around said housing and inserted in said slot and adapted to contact the inserted portion of said fitting to hold the fitting in a preset position.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said side apertures in said chamber are generally equally spaced circumferentially therearound, said apparatus including a generally flat band positioned on the outer surface of said cylinder overlying said apertures and adapted to regulate the flow of liquid from said chamber to the outside of said cylinder, the flow of said liquid through said apertures being determined by the position of said band relative to said apertures.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein the chamber sidewall immediately adjacent one side portion of each of said apertures protrudes outwardly beyond the general sidewall surface to thereby produce a slight space between said flat band and the non-protruding side portion of said apertures and permit flow of liquid therebetween.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including a removable shield means attached to said frame means and adapted to cover said rotation limiting means and said upper chamber.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said shield means includesa pivotal attachment to said frame means so that said shield means can be pivoted to expose said upper chamber and said upper end wall.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the diameter of said lower end wall is greater than the diameter of said cylinder to thereby provide an annular flange at the lower end thereof against which livestock can rub.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including a metal layer having a plurality of openings therein and at least intermittently attached to the outer surface of said cylinder to define an abrasive surface against which livestock can rub.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said metal layer has a plurality of raised edges at said openings adapted to receive hair and the like when livestock rub thereagainst, said hair becoming attached to said metal layer in said openings to define a plurality of liquid holding pockets.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said frame means includes upper and lower bearings for journaling a shaft extending axially through said cyliner, the upper end of said shaft extending upwardly beyond said bearing for cooperative interaction with said rotation limiting means.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper end wall includes a filling aperture for inserting liquid therein and a closure means for covering the aperture. 

1. A rubbing and liquid applying apparatus for livestock, comprising, in combination: an elongated cylinder having upper and lower end walls, the cylinder defining a reservoir for holding liquid therein; frame means for supporting said cylinder at an inclined angle and adapted to permit rotation thereof; a spiral tube positioned in said cylinder and adapted to deliver liquid from the lower end to the upper end thereof in response to rotation of said cylinder in a predetermined direction; means for limiting rotation of said cylinder to said predetermined direction; the upper end wall of said cylinder being positioned downwardly from the end thereof to define an upper chamber above said wall, the upper end of said spiral tube extending through said upper end wall so that said liquid is delivered to said chamber when said cylinder is rotated; the side of said cylinder in said chamber having a plurality of apertures for passing said liquid to the outer surface of said cylinder; a hollow cylindrical housing secured in said upper end wall and adapted to pass liquid into said reservoir from said chamber; and, a fitting insertable into said housing and flexible tubing having one end connected to the upper end of said spiral tube and the opposite end thereof adapted to be inserted within said housing, said fitting having an open end and at least one aperture in the side thereof, the depth of insertion of said fitting within said housing alternatively opening and closing said aperture to thereby regulate the flow of liquid into said chamber, the remaining liquid being passed through the end thereof back into said reservoir.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said cylindrical housing is positioned in said upper end wall at a predetermined angle relative to the plane of said wall so that the housing is slightly upwardly inclined towards said reservoir when said housing is in its lowest position during rotation.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said fitting has a cap in the end thereof and at least one additional aperture in the side thereof spaced longitudinally from the first side aperture a distance approximately equal to the length of said housing, so that at least one of said apertures will pass liquid therethrough notwithstanding the depth of insertion of said fitting within said housing.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a laterally positioned slot for receiving a hairpin spring, and a hairpin spring positioned around said housing and inserted in said slot and adapted to contact the inserted portion of said fitting to hold the fitting in a preset position.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said side apertures in said chamber are generally equally spaced circumferentially therearound, said apparatus including a generally flat band positioned on the outer surface of said cylinder overlying said apertures and adapted to regulate the flow of liquid from said chamber to the outside of said cylinder, the flow of said liquid through said apertures being determined by the position of said band relative to said apertures.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein the chamber sidewall immediately adjacent one side portion of each of said apertures protrudes outwardly beyond the general sidewall surface to thereby produce a slight space between said flat band and the non-protruding side portion of said apertures and permit flow of liquid therebetween.
 7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including a removable shield means attached to said frame means and adapted to cover said rotation limiting means and said upper chamber.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said shield means includes a pivotal attachment to said frame means so that said shield means can be pivoted to expose said upper chamber and said upper end wall.
 9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the diameter of said lower end wall is greater Than the diameter of said cylinder to thereby provide an annular flange at the lower end thereof against which livestock can rub.
 10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including a metal layer having a plurality of openings therein and at least intermittently attached to the outer surface of said cylinder to define an abrasive surface against which livestock can rub.
 11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said metal layer has a plurality of raised edges at said openings adapted to receive hair and the like when livestock rub thereagainst, said hair becoming attached to said metal layer in said openings to define a plurality of liquid holding pockets.
 12. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said frame means includes upper and lower bearings for journaling a shaft extending axially through said cyliner, the upper end of said shaft extending upwardly beyond said bearing for cooperative interaction with said rotation limiting means.
 13. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper end wall includes a filling aperture for inserting liquid therein and a closure means for covering the aperture. 